Your stories

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can affect anyone. Patients, carers and Kidney Care UK fundraisers from all over the UK share their stories of diagnosis, dialysis, kidney-friendly cooking and more.

  • Haemodialysis, Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease, Stage 1-3 CKD, Travelling and CKD

    Jacqueline's story: living with CKD and bipolar

    After her diagnosis of stage 3 kidney disease, Jacqueline struggled to balance life with CKD and bipolar. But neither has stopped her from travelling the world, from Greece to Tonga.

  • Diet and nutrition, Living with kidney disease

    "I enjoy the many other blessings this month brings"

    Kidney patients Sumaya and Rehana share their experience of Ramadan while living with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

  • Families, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

    Sharon's story: living with kidney disease

    It was time for Sharon to decide whether to opt for a whole-organ pancreas transplant or islet transplantation after her successful kidney transplant.

  • Fundraising, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal

    John's story: living with FSGS

    John is the bass guitarist for the band Da Management. Grateful for the care he has received for his rare kidney condition, he's raised money for charities like Kidney Care UK for years.

  • Fundraising, Haemodialysis, Living with kidney disease, Transplant

    David Rand's story: living with kidney disease

    David Rand talks about his kidney disease journey and being Team Manager of the Royal Liverpool Transplant Team (Adults) at the British Transplant Games.

  • Fundraising, Haemodialysis, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal, Travelling and CKD

    Charlie's story: living with nephronophthisis

    Twelve-year-old #KidneyWarrior Charlie won't let renal failure stop him from living an active lifestyle and raising funds to support the kidney community.

  • Families, Haemodialysis, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

    Alison's story: living with kidney disease

    Alison Brown discusses her experience of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme after her second kidney transplant.

  • Families, Fundraising, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

    Marc's story: living with PKD

    After his kidney transplant gave him a second chance at life, Marc has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and reached Everest Base Camp to raise money for Kidney Care UK.

  • Health professionals, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

    Angela's story: living with kidney disease

    Angela had a life-saving kidney transplant back in 1970. In 2020, she celebrated 50 years of healthy active life with the same kidney.

  • Living with kidney disease, Peritoneal dialysis, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

    Ravi's story: living with kidney disease

    Ravi's life was transformed by the gift of a kidney from his living donor, Daksha Varsani. He shares his story to highlight the live-saving power of organ donation.

  • Families, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Travelling and CKD

    Andy's story: living with kidney disease

    Back when he was 17, Professor Andy Demaine just wanted to be normal and like other people. Now, 40 years after receiving his second kidney transplant, Andy is enjoying his retirement,

  • Families, Living with kidney disease, Transplant

    Kim's story: living with kidney disease

    When Kim's kidney function dropped, her sister donated her a kidney for a transplant. Now, Kim is back enjoying weekends away and spending time with her grandchildren.

  • Haemodialysis, Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure)

    Phoenix's story: living with kidney disease

    Phoenix has been on nocturnal haemodialysis for nine years. Keeping his home warm to do dialysis is more and more of a struggle. He explains how Kidney Care UK supports patients like him.

  • Families, Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease, Peritoneal dialysis, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

    Ryan's story: living with IgAN

    After being diagnosed with IgAN, new dad Ryan couldn't lift his baby daughter. From transplant to dialysis, he hopes his experiences will inspire other members of the kidney community.

  • Families, Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal

    Heidi's story: living with aHUS

    Heidi was diagnosed with a rare kidney condition at just three weeks old. She has blood infusions to keep her alive, but nothing stops her – her life is filled with family, friends and sports she loves.

  • Families, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

    Joe's story: living with kidney disease

    From birth, Joe’s mum knew there were going to be difficulties. But Joe was a fighter, and at 11 years old he has had two kidney transplants, the second being donated from his dad.

  • Families, Haemodialysis, Living with kidney disease, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

    Olly's story: living with kidney disease

    Olly is just trying to be a normal little boy – who happens to be spending 84 hours a week on dialysis. He is living with stage 5 kidney failure and waiting for a transplant.

  • Kidney conditions and diagnosis, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

    Baby Heidi's story: living with kidney disease

    Heidi was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease and spent her first Halloween and Christmas in hospital. Now she is thriving, and the next step is to try and get her a kidney transplant.

  • Families, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Transplant

    Clodagh and Faith's story: living with kidney disease

    Clodagh and Faith are cousins who were both born with congenital nephrotic syndrome, who have each had a kidney transplant, with kidneys donated from family members.

  • Haemodialysis, Living with kidney disease, Peritoneal dialysis, Stage 5 CKD (Kidney failure), Travelling and CKD

    Shaun's story: living with IgAN

    Shaun was working on his motorbikes when his doctor diagnosed him with a rare kidney disease. Now Shaun receives haemodialysis treatment and is back working on his bikes.

  • Haemodialysis, Living with kidney disease, Rare renal, Transplant

    Sally and Rik's story: IgAN

    For Rik and Sally, IgAN meant vomiting, exhaustion, and dialysis. Now, 30 years after Rik’s kidney transplant, they are travelling the world, from the Lake District to Chile.